Swansea

Mount Swansea rises above the Columbia Valley near Invermere, British Columbia — a driveable thermal launch giving direct access to a long line of Rockies flying south of Golden. Two takeoffs face different directions: the north-west launch fits about three wings and comes alive in the afternoon and evening, while the south launch is a rockier half-bowl that works mainly in the morning. Both give you a sudden drop-off that can feel intimidating on your first visit. It's classic Kootenay flying: strong thermals, big vertical, and cross-country lines that link to the wider Columbia network on a good day. Membership in the Columbia Valley Hang Gliding & Paragliding Society is required to fly and land here, plus a small site-use fee.

Launch & conditions

Two launches at the summit: north-west (3-wing setup, PM/evening, steep drop-off) and south (2-wing half-bowl, mainly mornings). Do not launch east. A narrow metal ramp is set up for hang gliders.

Getting there & local rules

From the Invermere/Hwy 93-95 crossroads go south ~2.7 km to Windermere Loop Road, then take the signed Mount Swansea Forest Service Road (industrial traffic has priority — headlights on). The road is graded for high-clearance 2WD but is very narrow with tight switchbacks; parking is 5 km up, then a steep 15–20 min hike (105 m gain) to the summit.

Local rules & hazards

The Invermere airport sits about 2 miles north-west of the summit — flying with an aircraft radio on 123.20 is advised to monitor and coordinate with fixed-wing, glider, helicopter, SAR and firefighting traffic that regularly work this valley. Site is club-access only: a valid Columbia Valley HGPA membership and site-use fee are required to fly and land.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Swansea, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Swansea with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.